Praise to the Man
Praise to the Man: A Tribute to Joseph Smith
“Praise to the Man,” originally titled “Joseph Smith,” is a poignant poem that serves as a eulogy for Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. Composed shortly after Smith’s tragic death in 1844, this poem has since evolved into a cherished hymn within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The authorship of this significant piece is attributed to William W. Phelps, a notable leader and hymn writer within the church. The hymn encapsulates both reverence and admiration for Smith, reflecting the deep impact he had on his followers and the broader context of 19th-century American religious movements.
Origins of the Hymn
The roots of “Praise to the Man” can be traced back to William W. Phelps’ early involvement with the Church of Christ, which was founded by Smith in Kirtland, Ohio. Phelps initially played an active role within the church, contributing to its growth and development during its formative years. However, his journey took a tumultuous turn when he faced financial difficulties and personal dissatisfaction, leading him to declare himself an adversary of Joseph Smith.
Phelps’ disillusionment reached a peak when he offered to testify against Smith in a treason trial that was intended to take place in Missouri. Fortunately for Smith and his associates, this trial never materialized, and they were able to escape to Nauvoo, Illinois—a city that became a sanctuary for many Latter Day Saints. In an unexpected twist, Phelps underwent a significant change of heart two years later. He reached out to Smith with a letter expressing remorse and a desire for forgiveness. Smith graciously accepted his apology, allowing Phelps to return to the fold without any punitive measures.
This act of forgiveness profoundly affected Phelps, rekindling his dedication to Smith and the church. His renewed faith led him to be invited as a speaker at Smith’s funeral on June 27, 1844. Shortly thereafter, in August 1844, he penned the poem “Joseph Smith,” which would soon be recognized as “Praise to the Man.” This work not only honored Smith’s legacy but also reflected the sentiments of many who mourned his loss.
Controversy Over Authorship
The authorship of “Praise to the Man” has long been a subject of debate among scholars and church members alike. Initially published in the August 1, 1844 edition of the church newspaper Times and Seasons, the poem was widely attributed to Eliza R. Snow until 1863. This misattribution may have resulted from Snow’s name appearing above two separate poems on the same page, leading readers to mistakenly associate her with Phelps’ work.
As time progressed and new hymnals were published, including the Manchester Hymnal in 1863, Phelps’ authorship was finally recognized and affirmed. Despite this clarification, confusion over authorship persisted for many years due to Snow’s prominence within the church as both a poet and editor. The eventual acknowledgment of Phelps’ contribution has solidified his place in Latter Day Saint history.
Changes in Lyrics Over Time
The lyrics of “Praise to the Man” have undergone alterations since their original composition. One notable change occurred in 1927 when the LDS Church revised part of the second verse. The original lines read: “Long shall his blood, which was shed by assassins, / Stain Illinois, while the earth lauds his fame.” In an effort to promote harmony with neighboring communities and adhere to what was termed a “good neighbor” policy, church leaders decided to modify these words to read: “Plead unto heav’n.”
In parallel developments, another branch of the Latter Day Saint movement known as Community of Christ made attempts to distance itself from focusing solely on Joseph Smith by changing not only the title but also key phrases within their version of the hymn. The title was altered to “Praise to the Lord for the Great Restoration,” though this adaptation is no longer included in their current hymnal.
The Musical Setting
The musical composition accompanying “Praise to the Man” has also evolved over time. Initially, Phelps had suggested using “Star in the East,” which is believed to be related to melodies found in traditional hymn collections such as Southern Harmony. However, contemporary versions utilized by the LDS Church now feature a melody derived from “Scotland the Brave.” This revised tune has been adjusted to align with the syllable count of Phelps’ text, ensuring that both melody and lyrics harmonize effectively during congregational singing.
Conclusion
“Praise to the Man” stands as a testament not only to Joseph Smith’s life but also serves as an integral piece of Latter Day Saint tradition and worship. Its origins reflect both personal transformation and communal grief following Smith’s assassination in 1844—a pivotal moment that shaped the trajectory of Mormon history. Through William W. Phelps’ eloquent verses and their subsequent musical adaptations, this hymn continues to resonate within congregations today as it celebrates faith, redemption, and devotion.
As one of the enduring hymns within LDS worship services—positioned as number 27 in current hymnals—”Praise to the Man” not only honors Joseph Smith but also embodies themes that are central to Latter Day Saint beliefs: revelation, sacrifice, and community resilience in times of adversity.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).